Tip of the Day: Surface Pro Doesn't Look Right

Today’s Tip…

What can I do if a desktop application on Surface Windows 8 Pro doesn’t look right or doesn’t seem to be responding correctly to touch?

If a desktop application on Surface Windows 8 Pro doesn’t look right (text is too big or small) or is having problems with touch input (drop down boxes, buttons, etc.), the application may be having a problem with the default display scaling setting on Surface Windows Pro.? Surface Windows Pro ships with display scaling set to 150% and there are a couple solutions that might solve the problem.

Solution 1: ? Disable display scaling for the application

You can disable display scaling for an individual application.

1. Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, and then tap Search.? (If you're using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer down, and then click Search.)

2. Type the name of the application.

3. Select the application’s tile on the Start screen (swipe down on the tile or right click), and then tap or click Open file location to open File Explorer on the desktop.

4. In File Explorer, tap and hold or Right click on the application’s executable (EXE) file and select Properties.

5. Select the Compatibility tab.

6. In the Settings section, check the box next to “Disable display scaling on high DPI settings”.

7. Tap or click OK

8. Start the application.

If the above solution doesn’t solve the problem, try the solution below.

Solution 2:? Reduce display scaling for Windows

You can reduce display scaling in Windows which will apply to Windows and all applications.

  1. Search for "text" from the start menu, tap settings, and choose "Make text and other items larger".

  2. In the "change size of all items, set to medium (125%).

  3. Click Apply.

  4. Choose to Sign out now or sign out later to finish apply the new setting.?

  5. Sign back in and try the application again.

  6. If it still doesn’t work, repeat 1-5 setting display scaling to smaller (100%).